Leah Shizuru
Name Leah Shizuru
Age 31
Town/Moku Honolulu (Kaimuki)
Island Oʻahu
Social Media Handle none
Nominated by Max Mukai
Leadership Category Education
Share with us a little about yourself and what you do.
Aloha nō kāua. I was born and raised on the island of Oʻahu. I am a believer, daughter, sister, friend, mentor, curious learner, graduate student, ocean enthusiast, hiker and former Ocean Safety Lifeguard. I am pursuing a Masters in Zoology in Toonen-Bowen Lab at the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology. My current research seeks to provide taxonomic clarity on a culturally, ecologically and economically significant ecosystem engineer, ̒ekaha kū moana (black corals). My research also focuses on population connectivity of a species of black coral that is commercially harvested for jewelry.
Why is the work that you do important to you? The community?
I am passionate about research that promulgates equity in conserving nature and culture. A biocultural approach is not merely good practice, it's vital. Having the privilege of creating baseline data that will provide insight for managers is exciting to me. I also recognize my position as an ʻŌiwi graduate student to advocate for shifts in the way institutions value different knowledge systems. Incorporating both indigenous knowledge and scientific ecological knowledge allows for greater understanding because both systems have their own limitations. I want to work towards dismantling the science is an ivory tower metaphor so that the younger generations will see that too belong in this field. It was because of former ʻŌiwi wahine mentors like Dr. Rosie Alegado and Dr. Kiana Frank that I continued to pursue science. Creating new knowledge about a culturally, ecologically and economically important organism in a manner that is community-minded (in approach and engagement) will greatly benefit the community.
Share with us the qualities of leadership you admire and how you express those in your life.
I consider this question often. As a mentor and a leader of a couple of groups at my church I find myself continually pondering how I can best lead those in my sphere of influence. Titles arenʻt necessary. We each possess a unique position and have the ability to effect change. Qualities that I admire in my mentors include the following: empathy, humility, vision, self-awareness, patience, creativity, intentionality, selflessness, intelligence, and good communication skills. I have the opportunity to enact these as I lead these groups and meet with younger women on a weekly basis. I feel fortunate to have had exemplary examples of leaders in my life. Ultimately a leader must put the good of the whole above the good of an individual.
Who has inspired you to do the work that you are doing?
My former mentors (Drs Matthew Tuthill, Brian Hew, John Berestecky, Kiana Frank and Rosie Alegado) and my current mentor and advisor, Dr. Rob Toonen, have inspired me to do the work that I am involved with. I am inspired by my brother and my lab mates.
What is one word that describes something you are excited about for the lāhui?
Autonomy
What is one word that describes a pressing issue that is facing our lāhui?
Preservation